Merida, Mexico

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We stayed at a lovely old hotel in Merida called Hotel Dolores Alba . It is centrally located and only 5 minutes walk to the central square. The hotel itself is quite large and has a great pool, a large dining room and many famous masterpieces by Frida Kahlo, simply hanging on the walls for all to enjoy. Frida Kahlo was the famous Mexican Artist and wife of the other famous Mexican Artist Diego Rivera.

From here we caught a tour bus to Chichen Itza, the famous pyramid site. This is truly another amazing place where I couldn't help but be in awe of what these ancient civilisations were able to build. I thought that by now I would be over the historical sites but each one we visited was unique in its own way and so full of wonderful history and incredible architectural feats.

These pyramids are more protected and we couldn't actually climb them but in the 100 degree heat of the day, that was alomost a relief!

One afternoon we were in the Central Square of Merida when we were approached by a local. He spoke perfect English and sat and captivated us about the history, the Spanish and the local sites. He told us his father was an archeologist with the government and had been partly responsible for the restoration of the Chichen Itza Pyramids. He himself had been on archealogical digs there. He was currently working in his Mother's restuarant assisiting her whilst staff were on leave.

He left the restaurant card with us and went on his way after suggesting we come back to the sqquare at 7:00 pm that night as the Arhcbishop of Mexico was visiting the Catheedral and dozens of couples were being married by him there.

So we trudged back to the Cathedral that night and sat waiting. We didn't see the archbishop nor did we see any bride and grooms. The maitre de at the restaurant knew nothing of the man we spoke of but we did have a great meal and drank the free Mohito's the man had advised us we would be offered. To this day I have no idea what his motives were.